Name: Tzatziki (Traditional Greek Yoghurt Dip)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 480 g full-fat Greek yoghurt (ideally 5% fat or higher); 1 large cucumber, approximately 300 g; 2–3 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp salt, or to taste; 15 g fresh dill, finely chopped, or mint, or a mixture; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

About Tzatziki (Traditional Greek Yoghurt Dip)

Tzatziki is a classic Greek yoghurt and cucumber dip, enjoyed throughout Greece including Corfu. Cool, garlicky and refreshing, it is ideal alongside grilled meats, pita bread and a selection of meze.

Ingredients

480 g full-fat Greek yoghurt (ideally 5% fat or higher)
1 large cucumber, approximately 300 g
2–3 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve
1 tbsp red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice
1 tsp salt, or to taste
15 g fresh dill, finely chopped, or mint, or a mixture
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

Wash and coarsely grate the cucumber. Wrap in a clean tea towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible.
Crush the garlic with a pinch of salt into a paste using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon.
Combine the yoghurt, drained cucumber, garlic, olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, herbs and black pepper in a bowl.
Mix thoroughly, taste and adjust the salt, garlic and acidity to your liking.
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavours develop. Serve chilled with a drizzle of olive oil and a few fresh herbs.

A closer look

Plan your visit

Recipe tips

Squeeze the grated cucumber very thoroughly to avoid watery tzatziki.
Use thick, full-fat Greek yoghurt for the creamiest result.
Start with two garlic cloves and add more to taste.
Keep refrigerated and use within 2–3 days.

What to serve with it

Serve with warm pita, souvlaki, gyros, grilled vegetables, lamb, or as part of a Greek meze spread.

The story behind the dish

Tzatziki is a familiar part of Greek meze culture rather than a dish unique to Corfu. Versions vary by household, with dill, mint, vinegar or lemon used to suit individual tastes.

Where to try it in Corfu

Look for tzatziki on meze and starter menus at traditional tavernas across Corfu.